Protecting The Palm Beaches, A Tribute to Those Who Serve and Sacrifice
Bottom Line: This weekly feature is designed to recognize those who've paid the ultimate price in service and to serve as a reminder of what our police risk to keep us safe. Here are the harsh realities regarding the rise risk in society for law enforcement.
- There were 229 line-of-duty deaths in 2022 including 10 in Florida
- We’ve lost 1 hero in the line of duty this year
While LODs thankfully dropped from 2021’s record levels last year, that was mostly due to few COVID-related deaths. Sadly, LODs were 40% higher than 2019 – the most recent pre-COVID year – illustrating the continued risk for law enforcement amid a rise in violence against law enforcement. We’ve lost this hero since the previous update.
- In Pennsylvania, Police Chief Justin McIntire (pictured) was murdered while in pursuit of a suspect on the run who opened fire on the pursing offices. He was 46.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. Over the past year the average age is 44, the average tour of duty – 14 years. In addition to losing 229 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty over the past year, there are 122 widows and 299 children who’ve lost a parent.
Remember to back the badge and spread the word. Media often aren't there for our law enforcement, but we can be. Let our police, and their families know we support them every chance you get. They need it more than ever, just as we need them more than ever.